About this project

$55,422

pledged of $40,000 goal

1,729

backers

Missed the Kickstarter? Go to our website for more information! Follow us on Twitter @LeafyGames!

PULSAR: Lost Colony is a cooperative starship simulator that takes you and your crew to the farthest corners of the universe on a mission to find the mysterious Lost Colony. It features a procedural galaxy generator so every journey will be unique and contain new challenges for you and your crew.

The game has been designed from the ground up to provide an amazing cooperative multiplayer experience (up to five players), although it is entirely possible to play offline with AI bots as your crew.

It will be released in the Summer of 2014 with a closed alpha test beginning in February 2014.

The game will also fully support the Oculus Rift and game controllers (such as Xbox 360 gamepad).

Here's an early example of the gameplay in PULSAR:

Infinite replayability. Every journey begins in a different galaxy, procedurally generated, so no two galaxies will ever be the same

12+ awesome starships across 5 diverse playable factions to support a vast range of play styles.

Five player CO-OP across LAN or Online connections.

A robust singleplayer adventure with AI that learns with you, all the way from the Academy to the Stars.

Five classes with multiple upgrade paths.

Crew permadeath. Be careful out there in the void of space! If your crew perishes, your save is deleted and it's time for a brand new adventure!

Journey down to the surface of the planets you find. You'll never know what to expect!

Music is an important part of PULSAR. We are creating a full-length soundtrack that will capture the essence of each faction and how they operate. Check out these demo tracks below! We will be releasing more over the course of this campaign!

Nearly every major decision falls into the Captain’s hands. He calls the shots, and thus the success of the voyage is more often than not a reflection of his leadership. Diplomacy, aggression, trade – the Captain chooses the direction of the crew, and he gets to sit in a fancy chair at the center of the Bridge while he does it. Upgrade paths include Diplomacy, Leadership, and Teamwork.

The Pilot is directly responsible for the ship’s safety. Maneuvering through space debris and locking onto targets during combat fall within pilots’ job descriptions, but they are also skilled at navigation and oversee a variety of sensors. In addition, Pilots align the ships for warp-jumps and ensure safe passage between sectors of the galaxy. Upgrade paths include Evasion, Personal Combat Training, and Navigation.

On any serious expedition, no team is complete without a Scientist. They are crucial members who provide the crew with medical assistance and information regarding their status or environment. As they possess superior technological skills, Scientists are also responsible for ship security, breaching enemy firewalls, and teleportation control. Upgrade paths include Hacking, Medical, and Advanced Research.

Guns. Turrets. Mini-nukes. The Weapons Specialist manages them all. With a passion for bullets and lasers, missiles, and really anything that makes a loud enough bang, Weapons Specialists are the go-to guys for any combat related needs. They maintain their ships’ offensive technologies and fervently man turrets during battle. Upgrade paths include Nuclear Technology, Laser Armaments, and Advanced Armory.

Despite any obstacles, the Engineer keeps the ship flying. Engineers have the duty of the continual maintenance and repair of vital ship systems, as well as preventing the engines from overheating and controlling ship power flow. They also assume the task of charging warp drives. Upgrade paths include Engine Improvements, Reactor Power Management, and Automated Repair Tools.

Colonial Union

“Together We Survive”

Year zero of the Union Era marked an end to a war-stricken age. The founding of the Colonial Union created stability among the sectors of the galaxy, joining the remaining 60 billion survivors under the protection of one political body. The Colonial Union is a multispecies administration with a focus on exploration and diplomacy. Its officers uphold the law, operating in over half of the known galaxy with ships well-equipped for both combat and voyaging. They scout for new planets, species, and allies, striving for the discovery of the galaxy and the unification of its inhabitants.

W.D. Corporation

“Progress Above All”

The Wolden-Dorf Corporation is the most powerful organization in the galaxy – second only to the Colonial Union itself. Dominating the production of advanced technologies and weaponry, the Corporation also possesses the majority of mining operations, including the largest known tritium deposit. The W.D. fleet is massive, being the biggest in both number and individual ship size, and it is extremely defensive of its technology. When one of its ships goes unaccounted for, it will stop at nothing to retrieve it. Because of its uncompromising tendencies, W.D. has been the instigator of numerous conflicts over the years.

In addition, many of its whopping 33 billion employees have reported the Corporation for unethical working conditions, maltreatment, and unusually high casualty rates. The Colonial Union has hounded down W.D. for years, but all attempts at bringing the offenses to light have failed. With its control in nearly half of the colonial sectors, the W.D. Corporation has proven itself a force to be reckoned with, unobstructed by common rules or standards.

An Alliance of Gentlemen

“Never Trust A Gentleman”

Nobody knows how or when the Alliance was founded. Some speculate it began as a group of pirates who banded together under trying circumstances. Others say they were criminals exiled from Colonial Union sectors, and they formed their own society as an act of defiance. Whatever its story may be, the Alliance of Gentlemen has accrued a following of 40,000 members, and it has grown to be a formidable force in the galaxy. With a community comprised of freelancers, outlaws, and seedy individuals of all kinds, the Alliance operates and profits outside Colonial jurisdiction. Alliance members are notorious for hijacking ships and plundering valuable assets; they circumvent the law, scoping out the galaxy for their next targets.

While some are nobler than others – basing decisions upon a personal moral code, others are ruthless, greedy, and willing to do just about anything for that big payoff. As they do not occupy entire sectors of space, these fine Gentlemen roam and pillage freely in restricted territories, congregating only to exchange jobs and tales of battle at their haughty Alliance headquarters – a captured W.D. flagship.

The Fluffy Biscuit Company

“Eat Biscuits, Feel Butter”

In 3102 U.E., the Fluffy Biscuit Company was first established as a wholesome, family-friendly biscuit delivery service with one goal in mind: to spread warm n’ buttery biscuits across the reaches of space. Over the years, their business skyrocketed, and they expanded tremendously, acquiring 8 billion employees and a fleet of delivery ships fitted with advanced replicators.

Although they retained the name “Fluffy Biscuit,” they now cater to the cravings of billions of customers, providing them with innumerable selections of food items for every meal throughout the day. Rumor has it, with Fluffy Biscuit’s massive recent influx of traffic, their profits exceeded those of the W.D. Corporation last year. Do you smell tension in the air?

Polytechnic Federation

What's this? A Secret Faction?

Your Own Galaxy To Explore and Conquer

At the start of every Voyage a unique randomized galaxy is born just for you. Each contains hundreds of points of interest that you will need to explore to find clues about the location of the Lost Colony. A Voyage can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 30 hours depending on the skill of the crew and the encounters you face. If your crew perishes, the galaxy dies with you and the save file is deleted.

Journey Alone or with Friends

Each crew in PULSAR consists of up to five members. You can play offline with bots as your crew, or play cooperatively with friends in Online + LAN modes. Alternatively, you could take a ship out by yourself and perform all tasks of the crew, although it’s quite a challenge!

Everyone Plays a Key Role on the Ship

Captain, Pilot, Scientist, Weapons, and Engineer. These are the five classes available in the game – each having their own unique responsibilities and roles during the journey.

Crew Permadeath

If your crew perishes on their journey (and your on-board respawner is destroyed) there is no coming back. This means if your ship is obliterated and your entire crew is on-board it’s game over. The game will delete your save file and you get to start over at the beginning. This adds a layer of strategy that we absolutely love – plus it makes each journey special.

Join The Away Team

Your Voyage will bring you to unexplored sectors containing planets or space stations that can contain valuable resources imperative to surviving your journey. Use extreme caution as they also can also contain dangers to your crew – such as hostile ambushes and booby traps.

Five Unique Playable Factions (So Far)

The Colonists are unlocked by default. The other factions will need to be earned by playing the game and discovering the secret of each faction. You can play as anything from a ruthless weapons manufacturer such as the W.D. Corporation to an intergalactic biscuit delivery service: The Fluffy Biscuit Company.

Online Leaderboards

We are working on an extensive online profile system which will track and analyze each of your journeys, to see how you are improving compared to other explorers.

Challenge Modes

PULSAR features multiple challenge modes for players who love to die. The Captain’s Challenge puts players in the Captain’s chair without any crew. That’s right! You and you alone will face the adventure ahead with your own personal starship (meant for a crew of five). You can do it!

Currently the game is still pretty bare-bones. We have three ships, two planets types, a character with a few animations, and around half of the core ship systems. We overcame quite a lot to determine how various aspects of the game will work and to become familiar with the project pipeline. Now, we are ready to flesh out the features and mechanics to deliver a more cohesive and refined experience.

Our goals for the game will include deep system mechanics, the creation of many more polished ships, a range of characters with some basic customization, an array of planets to explore, and a huge collection of scenarios for players to encounter.

We've been working on PULSAR: Lost Colony outside of our day jobs whenever we can find some free time and aren't too burned out from the day's previous duties. The goal of this Kickstarter is to fund the rest of the game's development so that we can work on PULSAR: Lost Colony full-time. This is what we've been dreaming about since starting work on the game in July 2013. With your help, over the next 9 months, we can work full-time to deliver a memorable and biscuit filled experience!

Every dollar pledged through this Kickstarter will go directly to making PULSAR: Lost Colony. Below is a tentative budget for the Kickstarter funds (post taxes).

NOTE: We've gotten a few comments requesting more information about the chart we provided especially when it comes to the Programming and Art side of things. Since we are an indie developer we work pretty frugally, the funds allocated towards programming and art will simply help cover living costs while we produce the game. The Kickstarter funds combined with our own personal savings will give us the ability to work on PULSAR full-time and give it our complete focus until it's completion.

Leafy Games is a small, young independent game studio comprised of three biscuit-loving space cadets. We have made a number of early prototypes exploring various ideas and styles, all of which has helped us move in the direction where we now find ourselves. PULSAR: Lost Colony will be our first commercial product and the beginning of many great games we plan to release over the lifetime of this company.

George Stoll - Artist

Jennifer Feran - Writer

Preston Stoll - Programmer

Keep in mind we take our release date very seriously. If any stretch goals are reached, we will do our best to implement them by release but we do not guarantee they will be completed by Summer 2014. We are going to focus on the base game first and only when it is finished will we move on to these goals. If they are not implemented by release they will be included in a free update soon after. We hope you will understand!

We are big fans of the Extended Soundtrack! We also threw in a new ship, for those who want an interesting challenge. We’ll create a playable civilian ship that is initially not well equipped for combat. You will need to use diplomacy and careful trading to survive for long! The crews who start in this ship will no doubt have the hardest time overcoming the challenges that await, this is definitely for those who want a bit of a challenge!

$60,000 - Sector Commanders

The galaxy is comprised of a multitude of sectors, we had the idea of having something similar to “Bosses” in certain sectors, equipped with above average systems and a very competent crew. Taking down these ships would be difficult but the rewards would be worth it especially the bragging rights! New players should probably avoid them but experienced crews will be able to take advantage of these encounters.

$75,000 - Custom / Mega Galaxies.

Players will be able to optionally create mega-galaxies to journey in. These will be up to 500,000 light years across consisting of 10,000+ jump points! You will also be able to change generation settings for galaxies so you can customize them as much as you want.

$80,000 - Two Additional Secret Ships

We will add two new ships that you will be able to unlock in the game. They are relics of the Old Wars and play unlike any other ship in PULSAR.

$85,000 - Enhanced Item Interaction

This will allow us to add a feature we are very excited about. Players can pick up, rotate and closely observe nearly any item in the game. You will also be able to scan many items with your handheld scanner to learn more about its chemical properties and look up information from the galactic database.
Furthermore this feature can allow us to add more depth to the gameplay, stuff like puzzle solving can become a lot more interesting if you can interact with your environment in various ways.

$95,000 - New Hub “Small Town / City”

We have something called "Hubs" in PULSAR, they are one of the things that doesn't change much from each play-though. They are basically small towns or cities where players can go to take on missions, repair their ship, make deals and all that jazz!

This one will be decided by you guys! Is it part of a certain faction? Is it built in space? On a planet’s surface? Underwater? Built into an asteroid or giant glowing crystal? You guys will work with us to design this home away from home.

$150,000 - Modding Support

We will overhaul our asset creation system and create pulsarEdit so any user can easily create ships, scenarios, planets, gameplay changes and anything else you can dream of!

We will also help facilitate the sharing of these mods through our mod sharing website: pulsarEdit.com. There will also be an in-game system for syncing / updating mods. We've started work on pulsarEdit although we probably won't be able to implement it without the extra support to bring on another programmer.

We'd like to develop pulsarEdit and release it as open-source software for Windows/Mac/Linux.
We're also going to work on making these mods compatible with Steam Workshop.

NOTE: This money will be used to acquire a source code license of Unity since it will be necessary to support modding. We are already in talks with Unity and have access to the license if we raise the money. We will also bring on another programmer to assist in the creation of the mod editor and in-game mod system.

Every week we post a video devlog where we discuss and show what we've been working on. We've put a few of them below. For more of them click here.

$5 - Supporter

Your name in the credits as a 'Supporter'

A 'Backer' badge on our forums

Access to backer-only updates and polls

$15 - Early Backer (all gone!)

DRM-Free version of PULSAR: Lost Colony for Windows/Mac/Linux

Steam code when available

Your name in the credits as an 'Early Backer'

A 'Backer' badge on our forums

Access to backer-only updates and polls

$20 - Backer

DRM-Free version of PULSAR: Lost Colony for Windows/Mac/Linux

Steam code when available

Your name in the credits as a 'Backer'

A 'Backer' badge on our forums

Access to backer-only updates and polls

$25 - Alpha Tester

Exclusive Kickstarter Alpha Access that starts in February 2014

A digital copy of our soundtrack

Your name in the list of random NPC names that will show up in game

Access to the secret design forums

DRM-Free version of PULSAR: Lost Colony for Windows/Mac/Linux

Steam code when available

Your name in the credits as an 'Alpha Tester'

An 'Alpha Tester' badge on our forums

Access to backer-only updates and polls

$40 - Visionary

A premium digital art book for PULSAR that includes sketches/concepts, unreleased game art, and behind the scenes content that won't be available anywhere else

Provide a galaxy name that the game will use when creating new galaxies for players

Exclusive Kickstarter Alpha Access that starts in February 2014

A digital copy of our soundtrack

Your name in the list of random NPC names that will show up in game

Access to the secret design forums
DRM-Free version of PULSAR: Lost Colony for Windows/Mac/Linux

Steam code when available

Your name in the credits as a 'Visionary'

A 'Visionary' badge on our forums

Access to backer-only updates and polls

$45 - Two Pack

(2x) Exclusive Kickstarter Alpha Access that starts in February 2014

(2x) A digital copy of our soundtrack

(2x) Your name in the list of random NPC names that will show up in game

(2x) Access to the secret design forums

(2x) DRM-Free version of PULSAR: Lost Colony for Windows/Mac/Linux

(2x) Steam code when available

(2x) Your name in the credits as an 'Alpha Tester'

(2x) An 'Alpha Tester' badge on our forums

Access to backer-only updates and polls

$60 - Uniformed Officer

Choose one of two awesome t-shirts (Details in Update #15)

A premium digital art book for PULSAR that includes sketches/concepts, unreleased game art, and behind the scenes content that won't be available anywhere else

Provide a galaxy name that the game will use when creating new galaxies for players

Exclusive Kickstarter Alpha Access that starts in February 2014

A digital copy of our soundtrack

Your name in the list of random NPC names that will show up in game

Access to the secret design forums

DRM-Free version of PULSAR: Lost Colony for Windows/Mac/Linux

Steam code when available

Your name in the credits as an 'Uniformed Officer'

An 'Uniformed Officer' badge on our forums

Access to backer-only updates and polls

$90 - Five pack

(5x) Exclusive Kickstarter Alpha Access that starts in February 2014

(5x) A digital copy of our soundtrack

(5x)Your name in the list of random NPC names that will show up in game

(5x) Access to the secret design forums

(5x) DRM-Free version of PULSAR: Lost Colony for Windows/Mac/Linux

(5x) Steam code when available

(5x) Your name in the credits as an 'Alpha Tester'

(5x) An 'Alpha Tester' badge on our forums

Access to backer-only updates and polls

$150 - Scenario Designer

You will work with us create a unique scenario that all players will get to experience

A premium digital art book for PULSAR that includes sketches/concepts, unreleased game art, and behind the scenes content that won't be available anywhere else

NEW! Choose one of two awesome t-shirts (Details in Update #15)

Provide a galaxy name that the game will use when creating new galaxies for players

Exclusive Kickstarter Alpha Access that starts in February 2014

A digital copy of our soundtrack

Your name in the list of random NPC names that will show up in game

Access to the secret design forums

DRM-Free version of PULSAR: Lost Colony for Windows/Mac/Linux

Steam code when available

Your name in the credits as a 'Scenario Designer'

A 'Scenario Designer' badge on our forums

Access to backer-only updates and polls

NOTE: If you want to run your idea by us to make sure it fits within the PULSAR universe shoot us an email at pledgequestions@pulsarthegame.com. We are pretty open to ideas and would love to hear what you come up with!

$250 - Multi-Step Scenario Designer

You will work with us create a unique multi-step scenario that all players will get to experience (These scenarios can include multiple points of interest and can be wrapped together in a compelling story of sorts!)

A premium digital art book for PULSAR that includes sketches/concepts, unreleased game art, and behind the scenes content that won't be available anywhere else

NEW! Choose one of two awesome t-shirts (Details in Update #15)

Provide a galaxy name that the game will use when creating new galaxies for players

Exclusive Kickstarter Alpha Access that starts in February 2014

A digital copy of our soundtrack

Your name in the list of random NPC names that will show up in game

Access to the secret design forums

DRM-Free version of PULSAR: Lost Colony for Windows/Mac/Linux

Steam code when available

Your name in the credits as a 'Multi-Step Scenario Designer'

A 'Multi-Step Scenario Designer' badge on our forums

Access to backer-only updates and polls

NOTE: If you want to run your idea by us to make sure it fits within the PULSAR universe shoot us an email at pledgequestions@pulsarthegame.com. We are pretty open to ideas and would love to hear what you come up with!

$500 - Bar/Tavern Owner

You will work with us create a unique bar / tavern where missions can be accepted, things can be traded, and crew members can relax with a tall cold one and forget the troubles of the outside.

(5x) A premium digital art book for PULSAR that includes sketches/concepts, unreleased game art, and behind the scenes content that won't be available anywhere else

NEW! Choose one of two awesome t-shirts (Details in Update #15)

Provide a galaxy name that the game will use when creating new galaxies for players

(5x) Exclusive Kickstarter Alpha Access that starts in February 2014

(5x) A digital copy of our soundtrack

(5x) Your name in the list of random NPC names that will show up in game

(5x) Access to the secret design forums

(5x) DRM-Free version of PULSAR: Lost Colony for Windows/Mac/Linux

(5x) Steam code when available

Your name in the credits as a 'Bar/Tavern Owner'

A 'Bar/Tavern Owner' badge on our forums

Access to backer-only updates and polls

NOTE: If you want to run your idea by us to make sure it fits within the PULSAR universe shoot us an email at pledgequestions@pulsarthegame.com. We are pretty open to ideas and would love to hear what you come up with!

$2000 - Ship Designer

You will work with us to create a unique ship of your design that all players will get to start the game with (once it's been unlocked).

You will also work with us to design a mission or scenario that will unlock the ship.

(5x) A premium digital art book for PULSAR that includes sketches/concepts, unreleased game art, and behind the scenes content that won't be available anywhere else

NEW! Choose one of two awesome t-shirts (Details in Update #15)

Provide a galaxy name that the game will use when creating new galaxies for players

(5x) Exclusive Kickstarter Alpha Access that starts in February 2014

(5x) A digital copy of our soundtrack

(5x) Your name in the list of random NPC names that will show up in game

(5x) Access to the secret design forums

(5x) DRM-Free version of PULSAR: Lost Colony for Windows/Mac/Linux

(5x) Steam code when available

Your name in the credits as a 'Ship Designer'

A 'Ship Designer' badge on our forums

Access to backer-only updates and polls

NOTE: If you want to run your idea by us to make sure it fits within the PULSAR universe shoot us an email at pledgequestions@pulsarthegame.com. We are pretty open to ideas and would love to hear what you come up with!

Risks and challenges

PULSAR is an extremely ambitious project with a complex set of interactions and gameplay elements. We've created a system that supports all of the basic functions and we are ready to expand on it.

We've tackled the large problems that come from creating a game that takes place on a moving starship. There are quite a lot of them: fully dynamic lighting that runs on older computers, a physics system that doesn't freak out when the ship rotates and smooth networking – these are all in-game and functioning. Now it's time to add a ton of content and polish everything until it shines!

We've tracked our progress in our weekly video devblogs so you can see how we work. We've had to overcome many hurdles to get this far and feel confident we can keep it up. We will continue the devblogs and encourage constant community feedback to keep us working on the things that matter most to you.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $15 or more
About $15

EARLY BACKER SPECIAL -
Includes a full version of PULSAR: Lost Colony and access to the Closed Beta in April 2014! Plus get your name in the credits as an Early Backer! Also includes Steam code when available. (See the 'Rewards' section for details)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $20 or more
About $20

BACKER -
Includes a full version of PULSAR: Lost Colony and access to the Closed Beta in April 2014! Plus get your name in the credits as a Backer! Also includes Steam code when available. (See the 'Rewards' section for details)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $25 or more
About $25

ALPHA TESTER -
Exclusive Kickstarter Alpha access that starts in February 2014. Of course it also includes a full version of PULSAR, including a Steam key when released and your name will be in the credits as an Alpha Tester! Also your name will be added to the list of random NPC names and you will get access to the secret design forums where you will be able to discuss and vote on features/assets not yet released! Plus you'll get a digital copy of our soundtrack! (See the 'Rewards' section for details)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $40 or more
About $40

VISIONARY - All previous rewards + a premium digital art book for PULSAR that includes sketches/concepts, unreleased game art, and behind the scenes content that won't be available anywhere else + provide a galaxy name that the game will use when creating new galaxies for players. Also, get your name in the credits as a 'Visionary'. (See the 'Rewards' section for details)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $45 or more
About $45

TWO PACK - Two keys for PULSAR Alpha access that starts in February 2014. Of course it also includes a full version of PULSAR for both of you, including a Steam key when released and your names will be in the credits as Alpha Testers! Also your names will be added to the list of random NPC names and you will get access to the secret design forums where you will be able to discuss and vote on features/assets not yet released! Plus both of you will get a digital copy of our soundtrack! (See the 'Rewards' section for details)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $90 or more
About $90

CREW FIVE-PACK SPECIAL - Five alpha access keys for your entire team! Your crew will journey into space in February 2014! You all get full versions of the game (including Steam codes) and you all will be in the credits as Alpha Testers. (See the 'Rewards' section for details)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $150 or more
About $150

SCENARIO DESIGNER - Have any burning ideas for events to encounter in the game? At this reward level, you will work with the team to invent a unique scenario that will be implemented in the game for other players to experience! (See the 'Rewards' section for details)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

MULTI-STEP SCENARIO DESIGNER - Just like the Scenario Designer, only bigger! These scenarios can include multiple points of interest and can be wrapped together in a compelling story of sorts! (See the 'Rewards' section for details)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

BAR / TAVERN OWNER - For those who want to have a permanent mark on the world. We will work with you to design a unique bar or tavern, where missions can be accepted, things can be traded, and crew members can relax with a tall cold one and forget the troubles of the outside. (See the 'Rewards' section for details)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,000 or more
About $2,000

SHIP DESIGNER - Have a ship professionally created with your ideas in mind. Secret passages? A hot tub? A multi-floor climate controlled biscuit storage room? You will work with the team and get your very own ship class! (See the 'Rewards' section for details)